Julia Elizabeth Ferrill

Julia Elizabeth Ferrill was born October 15, 1949, in Portland, Oregon, to John Thomas and Zeta (Clark) Van Houten II. She grew up in the west hills of Portland with one brother whom she was very close to. After graduating high school, Julia moved to the Bay Area for medical training in San Francisco in the 1960’s. She loved living in California and stayed for many years in the Monterey/Pacific Grove area. She met Richard Ferrill and the two married and raised a son together.                Julia worked for many years as an x-ray technician and radiation therapist. She especially took an interest in the radiation therapy and shared about her career often to her family. In 1992, Julia and Richard relocated the family back to the Portland area to be near aging family members. When their son Tristan was in middle school, Julia decided to leave her career and become a homemaker full time. Julia was well known by her family and friends as a fantastic cook and she loved to be in the kitchen cooking and baking. Being at home full time allowed more time for Julia to spend on all her crafting projects which included quilting, crocheting, needle point, and cross stitch. She always made Halloween costumes for Tristan and she entered her quilts in quilt shows. When Tristan left home, her “empty nest” project became jewelry making. She started her own business, “Design Image Arts”, and sold her works of art at farmers markets and events. Julia loved all things glitter, bling, and shiny, and because of this, she was very proud of the fine jewelry she made using Swarovski crystals and dichroic glass set in sterling silver. After her only grandchild was born, Julia and Richard moved to the Salem area to be near their son and his family so they could spend more time together. Julia sewed dresses for her granddaughter and although she was young, Julia began teaching her to paint. When Julia was diagnosed with liver disease, the doctors gave her a prognosis of only a few months to live, but her strong will, good attitude, and determination proved them wrong. Julia even went out and got her first tattoo just before treatments started – she got a flower and the words “Stay Strong” on her wrist. When it was clear she would not be able to use the many crafting supplies she had, Julia kindly donated her kiln and glass beading supplies to the art department at McKay High School.  Julia was a huge fan of the Beatles and knew all their songs by heart. She was a simple soul who loved her family deeply. Her cats, which she called “fur babies”, were also recipients of her deep love and affection and she had a special fondness for Siamese cats. Over the years Julia owned many cats including Kimi, Mei, Bobo, Cinna, and most recently Shyler who was her constant companion and with her until her last breath.  Julia’s strength allowed her to enjoy three years with her family before she passed away in Stayton, Oregon, on January 23, 2020. She was preceded by her parents and her brother John T Van Houten III. Julia is survived by her husband of 45 years, Richard Ferrill; son Tristan (Willow) Ferrill; and granddaughter Amelia.